"Having Our Say": Exploring the Processes and Feasibility of a Community-Based Participatory Intergenerational Physical Activity Program for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Over the past twenty years, the number of grandparents raising grandchildren has increased substantially. In many cases, raising grandchildren can be stressful and may aggravate pre-existing health conditions. Grandchildren in these kinship relationships often experience poor health outcomes as well. Typically, both grandparents and grandchildren do not engage in positive health behaviors. Thus, there is a need to develop intergenerational health promotion interventions for grandparents raising grandchildren. This study used the community-based participatory research approach to develop and implement an eight-week intergenerational program for kinship families. The specific goals of this descriptive study were to understand the process and feasibility of developing and implementing the intervention from the perspective of key stakeholders. Content analysis of observational, focus group, and interview data from grandparents, nurses, exercise consultants, and recreation staff provided an in-depth account of the intervention's process (i.e., recruitment, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, and context) and feasibility (i.e., acceptability, demand, practicality, and integration). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine if the intervention had an effect on participants' health outcomes (i.e., depression, blood pressure, waist circumference, heart rate, weight, balance, and BMI) over time. Although analyses did not result in statistically significant effects on health outcomes, the data trends indicated the possibility of health improvements given a larger sample size. The distinct details gleaned from this study can provide researchers, community organizations, and practitioners with guidance on how to use community partnerships and existing strengths to develop and implement effective community-based intergenerational interventions.
Author: Tiffany L. Young
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W877076930